How Long Does a Termite Live
Termite Damaged
Wood Rafters
Termites are surprisingly long-lived insects. Considering that termites live in soil and are exposed to a multitude of fungi and possible mycotoxins, termites are great survivors. Also considering the predators, which can easily feed on termites and break into the colonies, termites are resilient. Studies show that queen termites can live up to decades under ideal climate conditions. Workers and soldiers live approximately one to two years.
Termite colonies can remain intact for the life of the queen, so by the time the primary queen dies, the colony can have quite an expansive territory. For subterranean termites, with the number of members of the colony approaching a million in some species, extensive damage can occur in wood. Scientists today are using DNA analyses to map out the size and territories of colonies. One study has concluded that there are over twenty colonies per acre in some areas. This means that the long living termite queen can die off, but the secondary reproductives termites and the other colony queens will keep reproduction moving forward.
Termite infestations can be difficult to identify before they have reached full maturity. Because a queen termite's life can span so many years, populations left unchecked are capable of causing considerable damage to infested structures. These buildings can require extensive repair. Estimates are the termite damage in the US each year exceeds $5 billion. Termite damage is not covered by homeowner insurance since it is not a sudden occurrence; damage takes place over an extended period.
At the first sign of a termite infestation, arrange for an inspection. Get an estimate for treatment if there is infestation. Many people today also prefer to implement preventative termite treatments before termites take a bite out of their home.